Martian

American  

[mahr-shuhn] / ˈmɑr ʃən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like the planet Mars or its hypothetical inhabitants.

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noun

1. a supposed inhabitant of the planet Mars.

   The science-fiction novel was about the invasion of our planet by Martians.

Martian British  

/ ˈmɑːʃən /

adjective

1. of, occurring on, or relating to the planet Mars

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noun

1. an inhabitant of Mars, esp in science fiction

Other Word Forms

• trans-Martian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Martian

1350–1400; Middle English marcien < Latin Mārti ( us ) of, belonging to Mars ( March ) + -an

Example Sentences

While readers don’t look to Ray Bradbury’s classic “The Martian Chronicles” for insights into the atmosphere of Mars, they get a detailed description in Weir’s “The Martian.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

It is adapted from a novel by Andy Weir, the author behind 2015 hit "The Martian" starring Matt Damon.

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

Project Hail Mary's production team was assembled by Gosling, including screenwriter Drew Goddard, who adapted another of Weir's novels, The Martian, for the big screen.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The transformation from hydrated ferrous sulfates to ferric hydroxysulfate occurs only when temperatures exceed 100°C, far hotter than typical Martian surface conditions.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

We deboosted from orbit and entered the Martian atmosphere sixteen days later.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan